Smashing Security The dark web's worst assassins, and Pegasus in the dock
23 snips
Jan 29, 2026 
Joe Tidy, experienced BBC cyber correspondent and author, explains how spyware can turn a phone into a constant surveillance tool. They dig into darknet hitman marketplaces, fake-for-hire scams and how criminals trick customers. The conversation also covers a landmark UK ruling over Pegasus infections and the messy aftermath of state-linked phone hacking.
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Chasing Cybercriminals In Moscow
- Joe Tidy described visiting Moscow to knock on doors linked to alleged Evil Corp members and feeling intimidated by the assignment.
- He and colleagues spoke to relatives and got close to named suspects despite safety concerns.
Scam Markets Imitate Legitimate Trust Signals
- Darknet hitman sites promise professionalism with escrow, referrals and reviews to reassure customers.
- Those trust signals mimic legitimate marketplaces but mask likely scams and criminal intent.
Researcher Uncovered Kill Orders And Scams
- Researcher Christopher Monteiro accessed Bessa Mafia's backend in 2016 and exposed hundreds of kill orders and the operator 'Yura'.
- The operator strung customers along with excuses while extracting more money, like romance or advance-fee scammers.
